Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Virgin Media O2, VodafoneThree, Heddian, OneLayer, Ciena, OFC 2026, among others.
UK Broadband Shake-Up: Virgin Media O2 and VodafoneThree Explore Network-Sharing Deal
Virgin Media O2 (VMO2), owned by Telefonica and Liberty Global, is reportedly in discussions with VodafoneThree over access to its broadband network in the UK. The potential wholesale agreement would allow VodafoneThree to deliver fixed broadband services using VMO2’s infrastructure, strengthening competition with BT Openreach. Virgin Media O2 operates the UK’s second-largest broadband network but has been facing increasing competition from alternative fibre providers.
Powering the Grid: Heddian, OneLayer, and Druid Deliver Next-Gen Utility Connectivity
Heddian has partnered with OneLayer and Druid Software to deliver resilient, device‑aware cellular connectivity for electric utilities. The collaboration integrates Heddian’s UtiliSIM platform with Druid’s Raemis core and OneLayer’s device‑centric security, simplifying multi‑carrier operations and supporting future private LTE/5G deployments across North America. The solution enhances reliability with flexible LTE coverage, automatic failover, secure remote SIM provisioning, and improved visibility across devices, providing utilities with a unified, secure approach that reduces operational complexity and strengthens network resilience.
Ciena Unveils Next-Gen AI Networking Innovations at OFC 2026
Ciena is spotlighting its artificial‑intelligence‑focused networking technologies at OFC 2026, held March 15‑19 in Los Angeles. The company will conduct demos and sessions on advanced data‑center and optical solutions designed for AI workloads, including 1.6 Tb/s coherent optics, hyper‑rail photonics, and scalable interconnects. Highlights include programmable photonic systems, coherent pluggable transceivers, energy‑efficient routing and switching platforms, and AI‑driven network management tools like Navigator’s AIOps and digital twin capabilities.
SHAFANA FAZAL
